the clothes 2011

This is some inspiration just begging for a terrible DIY imitation...a trench coat of mine will soon be under the pen.

If there is a period in art I wish I could emulate through photographs, it would be Romanticism. This movement was a reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature. Artists of this style often sought to capture a vision of untamed nature, or man as a Byronic loner being confronted by the vastness of the world. Bizarrely enough, some wealthy estate owners of the 19th century paid imitation "hermits" to live on their properties, which were also stylized to look unkempt and embody the vision of this period.

"So was I once myself a swinger of birches.
And so I dream of going back to be.
It's when I'm weary of considerations,
And life is too much like a pathless wood..." -Robert Frost

"Snow-white was more quiet and gentle than Rose-red. Rose-red liked better to run about in the meadows and fields seeking flowers and catching butterflies; but Snow-white sat at home with her mother, and helped her with her housework, or read to her when there was nothing to do."
all Camilla Akrans, model Sasha Pivovarova

Here are my newish eyeglasses again (technically I've had them for a couple of months now). I have gotten so used to my contacts that I forgot how inconvenient eyeglasses can be: they fog up in the cold, offer no protection from the sun, etc, etc. Still, I like wearing my glasses every now and then.

Barbro Anderson is a Norwegian blogger with cheekbones that could cut glass. She describes her style as "romantic rocker meets elegance with a pinch of emotional diva" and after only seeing a few of her outfits, I was hooked on her blog. I really admire all the pictures she takes outside in the cold and snow (I know how uncomfortable that can be!) and her darkly chic outfits. In order to get to know Barbro better, I had her plan a dream party complete with A-list guests.

What type of party is it?
It’s this amazing, once in a life time event, with a totally mesh vibe. Everyone has a great time, makes new friends and doesn’t want to leave. There are hundreds of pillows, cashmere blankets and the most comfortable couches you’ve ever sat on, my favorite beer and red wine, games such as spin the style-switch-bottle and wonderful music throughout the night. There are no language barriers, and there is a somewhat hippie-feel to the whole party.
Who is invited?
I’d invite a sober Johnny Cash so that he could play me those wonderful songs of his, Christian Louboutin with no further explanation, Audrey Hepburn so that could talk about that little black dress and have breakfast at Tiffany’s, Captain Jack Sparrow for make-up advice, Kate Moss so that I could steal her outfit and lock her in a closet for keeps and Snow White for some insider tips on how to get such beautiful skin. Of course, my fellow and favorite bloggers, including my lover.

Where does it take place?
It’s a custom made palace, or castle, in a magic place similar to Dubai without discriminating laws, placed in Eastern Europe. It’s in this squared mini-maze with a lovely garden in the middle, sky-high fences covered in tropical flowers. It’s like something out of an old movie; with oversized chandeliers, giant staircases, candles burning everywhere, long dining tables with all of those confusing forks and spoons which we happily ignore.
What are we eating?
Anything spicy and tasty, fresh and exciting! A hundred different tapas-versions, dressings and dips, vegan spring rolls, chicken-nachos, tacos, cheese platters with mozzarella sticks, stuffed tomatoes, baked potatoes, Greek salads, Spanish salads, Norwegian salads. Healthy and unhealthy, a lovely mix of all of the great things in life. Also, there would be a lot of coffee.
Who gets to sit next to you?
I mingle a lot at parties, despite my shyness, so I’ll probably sit next to everyone during the party.
What are the hot topics of the evening?
The best things in life.
Is there a special entertainment/playlist/band/fireworks?
When you first arrived, there are blank pieces of paper on which you could write your favorite band, put in an enchanted jar and...woops! They would magically appear on a stage throughout the evening.
What is the theme or what is everyone wearing?
Glamour-fusion and contemporary beauty. Everyone would wear something extraordinary, personal, yet comfortable.
Are there party favors?
Of course! Some rich uncle in Canada sent twenty-three cameras for every year I’ve lived with unlimited capacity. The best party favor, though, is that no one would get a hangover. As a treat, and a farewell gift, everyone would get a secret map that unveils the best vintage shops in the whole wide world.
Who is most likely to get drunk and dance on the table?
Audrey, Kate and I. But, as we obviously set a good example, the question should probably be; who wouldn’t?
Who is the last to leave?
Johnny Cash, not so sober.
For more of Barbro visit her blog.

"Frequently the woods are pink,
Frequently are brown;
Frequently the hills undress
Behind my native town." -Emily Dickinson

This ring is fist-pumping goodness; I really don't think I could have designed myself a more perfect ring. I've been looking for the perfect double finger ring, but I never imagined I would find one with whimsical birds perched atop (and it is adjustable). I found it at Old Gold Boutique, which I discovered on the lovely blog Our Paper Moon and I'm quite addicted to a number of the rings they offer.

I feel a bit "dance" inspired in this outfit; like a ballerina off-duty? It is probably the shoes, which are a real chore to put on!